A milliliter (mL) is a unit of volume in the metric system. It is equal to one-thousandth of a liter, which is a standard unit for measuring liquids. Milliliters are commonly used in cooking, medicine, and scientific experiments to measure small amounts of liquid accurately. In practical terms, a milliliter is about the volume of a small drop of water. For example, a standard teaspoon holds about 5 milliliters, making it easy to convert between these measurements when following recipes or administering medication. Understanding milliliters is essential for precise measurements in various fields, including cooking, pharmacy, and laboratory work.